前路根治性减压治疗严重颈椎后纵韧带骨化症

目的 报告前路后纵韧带根治性切除治疗椎管占位率＞50%的严重颈椎后纵韧带骨化症(OPLL)的手术疗效.方法 2002年7月至2006年2月,采用前路切除骨化韧带减压术治疗椎管占位率＞50%的严重OPLL患者26例.男性18例,女性8例;年龄43～73岁,平均59岁;骨化物形态均为基底开放型.术前骨化率50%～85%,平均(65±20)%;脊髓矢状径相对值(25±7)%;JOA评分(8.7±2.8)分.采用前路减压直接切除骨化物,行钛网或自体髂骨植骨,带锁钢板固定.26例患者中,行一个椎体次全切除+单节段椎间隙减压10例,2个椎体次全切除术3例,单节段椎体次全切除13例.所有患者均行脑诱发电位(ECP)监护,CT横断面测量骨化率,MRI T2 加权测量脊髓矢状径相对值;记录患者并发症、JOA评分,计算改善率.结果 26例患者均顺利实施前路手术,随访6个月至4年(平均2年8个月).术后骨化率平均(10±5)%,脊髓矢状径相对值(75±15)%,JOA评分(14.2±2.5)分,改善率(61±24)%.3例合并糖尿病患者出现短暂神经症状恶化,其中1例行二次血肿清除术,患者神经症状均在8周内恢复;2例出现脑脊液漏(包括1例合并糖尿病者),经保守治疗2周后痊愈;无内固定失败.结论 前路手术直接减压治疗严重OPLL,神经功能恢复更彻底,但对技术要求较高.

Anterior radical decompression for severe ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the cervical spine

OBJECTIVE: To report the outcome of anterior radical decompression for the treatment of severe ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) with an average occupying ratio exceeding 50% in the cervical spine. METHODS: From July 2002 to February 2006, 26 patients with cervical OPLL occupying ratio of the spinal cord exceeding 50% underwent anterior decompression and fusion. There were 18 males and 8 females. The average age was 59 years (ranged from 43 to 73 years) and the mean occupying ratio was (65 +/- 20)%; Before operation, the JOA score was 8.7 +/- 2.8, and the saggital diameter of spinal cord was (25 +/- 7)%. The ossified ligament was classified into two groups, the base-open group and the base-closed group. The occupying ratio was measured on 3-D CT scans, and the sagital diameter of the deformed spinal cord was measured at the narrowest level on sagittal T2-weighted MRI. All patients received anterior decompression with the ossified ligament removed completely. Among them, 10 cases underwent one level corpectomy combined with one level disectomy, 3 cases underwent 2 level corpectomy, and the other 13 patients underwent one level corpectomy. The decompressed segments were reconstructed either with a tricortical iliac crest strut or a titanium cage, and an anterior locking plate was implanted to prevent graft extrusion in every patient. All patients were monitored with ECP during decompression. RESULTS: The occupying ratio decreased to (10 +/- 5)%, the saggital diameter of spinal cord increased to (75 +/- 15)%, and the average diameter of spinal cord at the narrowest site increased 3 times after operation. The JOA score was 14.2 +/- 2.5, with an average improvement ratio of (61 +/- 24)%. Three patients accompanied with diabetes presented with temporarily neurological deterioration. There were two cases complicated with cerebrospinal fluid leaks but cured within 2 weeks after surgery. One case acccompanied with diabetes underwent a second emergency reexploration for hematoma in the spinal canal which caused a dyspnea. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior radical decompression is an optimal method for the management of severe OPLL in the cervical spine. Higher rate of neurofunction recovery can be anticipated.